Wes Welker: Belichick was something I just had 'to endure'

In a recent interview, Wes Welker let on that coach Bill Belichick was a big factor in his leaving the Patriots.

The wide receiver signed with the Broncos as a free agent after six seasons in New England.

Welker said that he grew tired of how critical Belichick was, especially when he berated him in front of the team.

"It was just kind of hard," Welker said. It's "one of those deals where you have to endure him, put up with him. But he does it to everybody; it's the way he is."

But even now that Welker has left New England behind, he said he is still a little afraid of Belichick.

"When I'm answering questions from the Denver media, I'm not worried about what the Broncos people are going to think," Welker said. "I'm worried about what Belichick will think. Isn't that crazy?"

With the Broncos, Welker said that he feels like he can be more himself. The team was the clear choice during his free agency, and his only other consideration would have been to go back to the Patriots.

Welker will meet Belichick again on the other side of the pigskin Nov. 24, when the Broncos play the Patriots.